Letters to the Editor for Nov. 17, 2012

Saturday

Nov 17, 2012 at 12:01 AM

Star-Banner readers share their views on a Veterans Day event, gay marriage, seniors playing softball and the election.

Great showThe Veterans Day activities at the Veterans Park were great! Every group that was involved did a wonderful job, but the young people with the Hammett Bowen Color Guard were off the charts.What a great bunch of kids. And that's from one retired old soldier who ought to know. Keep up the good work!Dr. Michael L. BogdueOcala

Free to loveThis letter is in response to “Standing for morality” (Nov. 12). Apparently the writer describes gay marriage by the term “homosexual sodomy,” which may or may not be correct. It certainly isn't very polite. We don't describe traditional marriages as “heterosexual fornication,” and it's rude and depraved to define anyone's marriage by how you assume that couple experiences intimacy.Personally, I don't like to think about what other people do in the privacy of their bedrooms, and I find it weird and creepy that people who “stand for morality” spend so much time obsessing about other people's sex lives. Why is that?When gay people get married, it's for the same reason that heterosexuals get married — because they are in love. Consenting adults can have sex with a lot less paperwork.But I have some bad news for the author. The recent elections have led to gay marriage being approved in three more states, and the re-election of President Barack Obama means the Supreme Court is likely to be filled with justices open to the idea of marriage equality.Freedom of religion is the right to practice your faith as you see fit. It does not mean that you get to enforce your narrow brand of morality on the whole country. Both the writer and her church would do well to understand that. In a free country, we are free to love who we choose.Gary SchorSilver Springs

Having a ballAfter retirement and my wife's sudden death, I was concerned about being active and having a social life.While driving past Ralph Russell County Park, I saw seniors playing softball. I inquired and was told that you need to be 55 years old and up to play, with no experience required.I was put on a team and shown how to play the game.I suspect that many seniors in my circumstance would not be aware of this ongoing activity in the park service. I think the league can be contacted through the County Parks and Recreation Department.I now play at Russell Park in Silver Springs Shores on Pine Road in Ocala. I'm still not a good player, but I'm learning, I think.George HaralsonOcala

Pray I am wrongCongratulations to the writer of the letter “Obama nation.” You were correct, America confirmed we are now an entitlement country, having as many takers as we have givers. We have proven that if you rob from Peter to pay Paul, you can always depend on getting Paul's vote. Pauls will never vote for a candidate who promises to stop giving them the free stuff.The very principles that made America great are no longer the backbone of our nation. We were built on the foundation of individual initiative, self-reliance and responsibility through hard work and a strong belief in God. When President Obama was elected in 2008, the first lady remarked on TV that it was the first time she was proud to be an American. Well, this was the first time I was ashamed of America. This election was about character assassination of a good, moral, generous man with no concern about the last four years.We will pay the price. When the next four years prove to be even worse than the last four, we will just have to live with it. Don't cry as we go bankrupt, lose our sovereignty and our individual rights as we fall under the U.N.'s jurisdiction. Don't expect terrorists to fear our retaliation as we move further away from God. I do believe we have invited God to remove his blessing from America, and we will pay the consequences.Pray I am wrong,Wayne RackleyOcala

Let's stand togetherIn response to “Ashamed of America” and “The dream is dying,” I would like to remind these gentlemen that the American dream is alive and well, and if you are ashamed of a majority of your countrymen for choosing a candidate you do not approve of, then shame on you.The people of this country have endured enough negative campaigning. It is time to stop whining and do something to affect actual change. Both of these authors seem to credit their candidate's loss to dependent, unmotivated and “whatcha gonna gimme” citizens who feel entitled to government assistance.My wife and I work full-time jobs and work other jobs when we can to generate funds toward our retirement. No one bailed us out when our economy collapsed, and instead of walking away from a house that lost value, we kept our commitment and continue to make the payments.With all its flaws, this is still the greatest country on the planet. Not because of our wealth or our might, but because of our people!The majority of our people are hardworking and caring individuals who work every day to build their own American dream. We need to stop focusing on what is wrong with America and concentrate on what is right with America, and one of those is our right to choose who leads us.Regardless of who I voted for, I will support the majority of my countrymen and my country. Perhaps you gentlemen should do the same.Herman HaleOcala